Every wedding dress tells a story.
At Lanier Village Estates, in Gainesville, Georgia, residents celebrated more than a century of love stories stitched into their vintage wedding gowns. The community held a special bridal show featured 24 wedding dresses dating from 1910 to 1999 — each accompanied by the woman who once wore it or a family member proudly sharing its legacy.
Learn more about brides behind the gowns in The Gainesville Times.
Inspired by a gown in a box
It all started when Caroline Mixon, a resident and volunteer at the Lanier Village Estates resale shop, came across a large box tucked away in a corner. Inside was a stunning 1954 Priscilla of Boston gown with 90 buttons, a Juliet cap, and a 15-foot veil — once worn by the late Henrietta “Honey Lou” Price Funkhouser, a former resident and dancer.
That discovery sparked an idea: What if other residents still had their wedding gowns, and what if they’d be willing to share them — and their stories?
Photo: Lace and cityin batiste gown worn by a resident’s grandmother in 1910.
Watch NBC 11Alive's coverage of Lanier Village Estates' bridal salon event!
The response was overwhelming. Dozens of women, many married for more than 60 years, unearthed gowns tucked away in hope chests, closets, and boxes long forgotten. Some dresses had been untouched for half a century. With great care, residents with help from a seamstress who also lives at the community, brought them back to life.
On display, 24 exquisite gowns lovingly placed on mannequins, each paired with a photo of the bride on her special day. Even more special, many of the original brides stood proudly beside their gowns, recounting the memories of the day they wore them. What began as a single discarded gown, evolved into a deeply meaningful showcase of fashion, family, and history.
“It’s been a real joy for me,” resident Caroline Mixon told The Gainesville Times. For Mixon, this event was about more than showcasing vintage gowns — it became a meaningful way to bring the community together and forge deeper connections. “The friendships that are formed through this are unlike any others,” she said.
Mixon recalled memories of her wedding gown, also on display, and how she made the veil for her first wedding at 19. Now, at 80 and married for the past 37 years to her husband, John Delano Mixon, she sees this project as a tribute to the many lives, loves, and legacies represented in each gown.
The event was attended by special guest Christopher Davidson, owner of Christopher’s Tuxedo & Bridal in Gainesville, who offered expert insights into the gowns’ craftsmanship. Following the show, some of the dresses may be donated to his bridal shop, where they could be displayed as a special exhibit—offering future brides a chance to admire and draw inspiration from the timeless styles of the past.
Residents enjoyed the event, and many offered to display their own wedding photos in the lobby in the days leading up to the main event. They truly enjoyed the opportunity to share personal memories and connect with their neighbors.
Want to experience the warmth, connection, and vibrant lifestyle of Lanier Village Estates for yourself?
Schedule a personal tour to meet our wonderful residents and explore the beauty of life on this exceptional campus. You’ll quickly see why so many choose to call Lanier Village Estates home!
